at sea...

You’ll feel like you’ve switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. It offers a pan-Asian selection of curries and noodle dishes, a separate sushi menu, plus bespoke dishes created by master chef Ian Pengelley exclusively for Marella Cruises. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

This place does what it says on the tin, specialising in all things meat and fish. The menu stars various cuts of steak, including the Porterhouse for two – and you can watch the chef cook yours on the open grill. Or you can create your own surf and turf with a selection of meats and seafood. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

Oslo’s most famous sights are yours for the taking on this trip. It kicks off with a drive towards Holmenkollen Hills, a world-famous ski-jumping area. From here, the views are phenomenal. See the city spread out below you in true toy-town fashion, then lift your gaze to the glassy waters of the Oslofjord. After that, you’ll head for Vigeland Sculpture Park. Famous sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, is the man behind this gigantic outdoor art gallery, which has 200 sculptures plotted across 32 hectares. You’ll have plenty of time to wander through the park, capturing on camera towering human figures carved from stone, bronze and iron. The piece de resistance is undoubtedly the monolith, standing tall at 17 metres. From a distance it just looks like a huge granite block. Look a little closer though and you’ll see the twisted forms of 121 figures.

A walking tour is one of the best ways of getting to grips with a new city. Today, you’ll explore Oslo, Norway’s capital, with an expert guide. The city is sandwiched between forest-cloaked hills and a 100-kilometre-long fjord. It dates back to 1050 AD, and is packed with historical buildings, cosy cafés and modern art galleries. As you follow a path through the streets, passing buildings like the Museum of Contemporary Art, the old military hospital and the concert hall, your guide will fill you in on their histories. One of the day’s highlights is sunny Stortorget – a bustling market square that’s home to the Oslo Cathedral and a statue of King Christian IV. You’ll also journey up the hill to the Royal Castle – the views from here are second to none. Once your walking tour has come to an end, there’ll be time for a visit to the city’s Icebar. As the name suggests, this place is made entirely from frozen water. Even the glasses are frozen. You don’t need to worry about the cold, though – you’ll be dressed in warm clothing before you head into the sub-zero temperatures for a drink.

You take the handlebars on this whistle-stop segway tour, which’ll see you trundling through historic alleyways and rolling past impressive castles. Call in at the Medieval Akershus Fortress, which has doubled as both a palace and a prison. Then, sidle up to the imposing City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place in December. See if you can spot the sculpture of Harald Hardrada, a former King of Norway, on the outer wall. You’ll also make your way down Karl Johan’s Gate – the city’s main street – to meet the pillar-fronted Royal Palace, home to King Harald V. A visit to the Vigeland Sculpture Park rounds off the day – it packs in over 200 pieces of art by Gustav Vigeland.

This tour kicks off with a drive to the city centre, via the viewpoint at Klippan where you can enjoy the views. Next, you’ll check out Masthugget Church. This century-old Nordic chapel is home to a 60-metre tower. And after a stop here, you’ll head to the Botanical Garden, a green oasis in the heart of the city. The Japanese Glade and Rock Garden feature high on the must-see list here. But it’s the Rhododendron Valley that really steals the show – when the flowers are in bloom it’s a rainbow riot of colours. You’ll round off this trip seeing highlights like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Library, the Concert Hall and the City Hall in all their Neo-Classical glory. All before making a final stop at the famous Faeskekyrkan fish market, housed in a storage building that looks like a church.

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second-largest city, and it’s packed with red-roofed houses, vast parkland and café-lined canals. Today, you’ll see its best bits from two perspectives – first, with a driving tour, and then, from a traditional ‘paddan’ boat. Things kick off with a drive up to the Masthuggs Church, a huge, red-brick building with a 60-metre-high tower. From its hilltop perch, it overlooks the port and Göta River, and you’ll stop here to soak up the views. Driving on, you’ll be introduced to the Museum of Fine Arts, the Concert Hall and the Municipal Theatre. You’ll then head on to the upmarket Avenyn boulevard, which is lined with posh restaurants and boutiques. En route to the city’s fish market, you’ll pass through Gustav Adolf’s Square, home of the City Hall and the Court House. At the indoor seafood market, you’ll have free time to soak up the local atmosphere, and to buy some of the fresh fish – try a platter of oysters sprinkled with lemon juice. The final part of your tour is spent on a paddan boat. You’ll sail through the 17th-century canals, passing the old shipyards and the fishing harbour. Your guide will tell you when it’s necessary to duck, too – some of the bridges are too low for you to remain on your chair.

Escape the hustle bustle of city life as you take a scenic tour around the Swedish northern archipelago. It’s known as part of Sweden’s ‘sunshine coast’ and is spread over 10 islands. First point of call is the ferry station in Lilla Varholmen for a short ride across to Höno, the gateway to the islands. From Höno you’ll make your way to the islands of Öckerö and Hälsö. At Öckerö there’ll be a quick stop at the Öckerö Church, which dates back to the middle ages. And close by you’ll find the Folklore Centre. A perfect place to relax and enjoy a refreshment and pastry, before boarding the coach to the island of Fotö. Traditionally, the only people that visited this island were the fishermen, but now it’s a popular holiday spot. Lining the waterfront you’ll find old wooden fishing huts standing shoulder to shoulder with modern cafes and bars. Take a stroll around the town with your guide, before taking the connecting bridge back to Höno for your ferry ride and drive back to the ship.

at sea...

You’ll feel like you’ve switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. It offers a pan-Asian selection of curries and noodle dishes, a separate sushi menu, plus bespoke dishes created by master chef Ian Pengelley exclusively for Marella Cruises. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

This place does what it says on the tin, specialising in all things meat and fish. The menu stars various cuts of steak, including the Porterhouse for two – and you can watch the chef cook yours on the open grill. Or you can create your own surf and turf with a selection of meats and seafood. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

Explore Stockholm from the comfort of your coach and see the mighty Vasa ship all in the one morning. You’ll cover the districts of Sodermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Ostermalm and Djurgarden as you tour the most popular parts of the capital. Once you get to the island of Djurgarden, you’ll visit the famous Vasa Museum. In the early 17th century, the Swedish battleship Vasa was the pride of Sweden’s navy. While preparing to set off on her maiden voyage she capsized and sunk. Fast forward 333 years and the ship was salvaged and restored to her original magnificence. Today, the resurrected Vasa is astonishingly well preserved. Take some time to photograph this authentic piece of history.

Enjoy a leisurely morning visiting two highlights of the Swedish capital. Your tour begins with a scenic drive along Soder Malarstrand and across the Western Bridge to enjoy fabulous views of the city’s skyline. When you reach the imposing City Hall, you’ll be shown around this magnificent red-brick building. Renowned for its murals and mosaics, it’s the site of the Nobel Prize Banquet. Take a look at the stately Blue and Golden Halls – the grandeur will take your breath away. Afterwards, a short drive through the city centre will take you to the old town. See the dominating Royal Palace and the Great Square, which is the hub of the old town. In these parts, the buildings date from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Round things off with a stop at Fjallgatan for a panoramic view of the city and its inner harbour. Cameras at the ready…

Discover what life was like in the Viking age on this visit to the Viking Exhibition at Stockholm’s Museum of National Antiquities. Learn about the lives and travels of these famous sea-faring adventurers as you browse the 4,000 objects on display. You’ll also pay a visit to the Gold Room. This place houses Sweden’s prized gold and silver treasures. Listen to the stories behind the objects – they’ll have you hooked in no time. Your morning continues with a panoramic sightseeing tour of Stockholm and a tour of Djurgarden. This island’s regarded as the capital’s outdoor recreation centre, with treasures including Vasa Museum, the Grona Lund Tivoli, the Skansen open-air museum and sweeping parklands. Driving back to the city centre, you’ll pass some of the major sights including the Opera House, the Parliament Building, the Medieval old town and the impressive Royal Palace.

Tallinn’s one of the world’s best-preserved Medieval towns, with a cobweb of winding streets crammed with monuments. This tour takes you around the old town as well as the modern district that lies beyond it. First, you’ll drive to Kadriorg, the exclusive seaside district centred on the palace and the park built by Russian Tsar Peter I. Then you’ll make a photostop at the Song Festival Ground and unravel some of its history that stretches back to 1869. From there, head to Pirita, passing the Forest Cemetery, the ruins of the St. Birgitta Monastery and the Olympic Yacht Centre to name a few. At Tall Hermann Tower it’s time to start the second leg of your tour, this time on foot. Follow your local guide to Toompea, to the Baroque Castle and the seat of the Estonian Parliament. Then visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral as well as the famous Dome Church. Last but not least, walk to a popular viewpoint for some fabulous photo opportunities and grab some last-minute souvenirs.

Explore the magical city of Tallinn on a walking tour that takes in all the highlights. After a short drive to the Tall Hermann Tower you’ll start your walk accompanied by a local guide. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to see its beautiful mosaics and icons. And take a look at the famous Dome Church, which has 100 Medieval coats of arms proudly on display. Afterwards, make your way to a great viewpoint to snap a panoramic picture of the lower town with its towers, churches and red-tiled roofs. Then head to the lower town, passing some of Tallinn’s oldest monuments along the way. On Long Street, keep an eye out for the Holy Ghost Church and the building of the Great Guild of Merchants. Then walk towards the Town Hall Square to marvel at this impressive Gothic building and one of the oldest drug stores in Europe. Last but by no means least, walk to Viru Street, the town’s main shopping street, for some free time to browse and buy at your leisure.

This two-and-a-half hour tour of Estonia’s capital shines a spotlight on the oldest parts of the city, plus you’ll get to see a performance of folk dancing. A guide will lead you along the narrow streets of Tallinn Old Town, pointing out fascinating landmarks as you go. Many of the Medieval buildings that flank the cobblestones used to belong to the old merchants of the city, and today have been repurposed as shops and cafés. The tour will pass through Catherine’s Passage, known as the best place in the old town for authentic souvenirs – its shops are crammed with Estonian handicrafts, like pieces of stained glass. After the walk, you’ll head to a local restaurant for a hot drink. Then you’ll get to watch an Estonian folk ensemble perform some dances typical of those who used to live outside of the city walls.

St Petersburg’s packed to the rafters with ornate theatres, art-filled museums, and grand cathedrals and palaces. That’s why we’ve created this two-day-long trip – so you can tick off lots of this Russian city’s top sights without time limits. Day one kicks off with a panoramic drive through the city ahead of an hour-long canal cruise. Pass under picturesque bridges and historical buildings on your way to St Isaac’s Cathedral, where you’ll tour its giant interior and 19th century artwork. After a break for lunch, you’ll continue on to the Hermitage Museum, home to over three million pieces of art. The rest of the afternoon will be spent on a guided tour through the museum’s four buildings. Tick off marble statues, impressive staterooms, eye-widening chandeliers and the famous Peacock Clock, before heading back to the ship in time for your evening meal.

On your second day, head to Pushkin, a beautiful former residence of the Russian Tsars. Here, you will visit Catherine’s Palace for a guided tour. You’ll see the iconic Great Hall and the Amber Room, then take a short walk through the gardens. Next stop’s Peterhof Palace, which was built by Peter the Great to rival Versailles in Paris. Explore the grounds and lower gardens before heading back into the city for lunch. Then, continue to the Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral. The spire of the cathedral is over 400-feet high, and is topped with the famous sight of an angel holding a cross. Your adventure ends with some time to shop for classical Russian gifts – like intricately carved boxes and painted nesting dolls.

The history of Russian choreographic art began more than three centuries ago and evolved through the pioneering genius of Tchaikovsky, Petipa and Ivanov. It’s these people who brought you masterpieces like Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. Since then, Russian classical ballet has become a cultural brand of the country. As you arrive at the theatre, the curtain will go up and you will to enjoy one of the most romantic ballets of all time. You will be deeply moved by a timeless love story told in the mysterious language of classical dance. Champagne and mineral water will be served in the intermission as you experience an art form that has been shaped by Russian culture. It’s a night you’ll never forget.

A visit to St. Petersburg is always an unforgettable experience. On this trip, you’ll clap eyes on a rich parade of sights, including Menshikov's Palace, the building of 12 Ministries of Peter the Great, the Academy of Sciences and the Chamber of Curiosities. The city’s rich history will come to life as you explore the bustling avenues of the city. At Vasilievsky Island, enjoy a magnificent view of the Neva River at its widest, and the distinctive Rostral Columns. Your guide will then take you for a photo stop at the Aurora battleship - which signalled the beginning of the historical Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. Plus you’ll see the field of Mars and its tremendous esplanade. Another jewel of the city is the Church of Resurrection on Spilled Blood, built on the site where Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. Your tour carries on towards Nevsky Avenue, Russia's most famous street. Before returning back to your ship spend some time admiring St Isaac's Cathedral and as you pass Decembrist's Square take a look at the famous statue known as the 'Bronze Horseman'. Like we said, a visit to St Petersburg is an unforgettable experience.

Charm is in no short supply in Porvoo, your first stop on this trip. It’s one of the oldest towns in Finland and the Medieval hub looks as if it’s been frozen in time. Dive into the tangled streets and you’ll find yourself in a maze of dinky wooden houses. As you set off on your walking tour, keep an eye out for the former home of Johan Ludvig Runeberg, Finland’s greatest poet. Then wander along the riverside to see the famous red warehouses, which share space with pastel-painted houses. Take a closer look and you’ll see that today they house museums, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. After you’ve had a chance to explore, we’ll take you back to Helsinki. Here the big sights come thick and fast on this whistle stop tour – the City Hall, the Parliament building, the Opera House. You’ll see them all. We’ll take you through the oldest part of Helsinki, past Sibelius Park and down to the Esplanade, the city’s favourite weekend hangout. On top of all that, you’ll get a chance to visit the Temppeliaukio Church, too. Otherwise known as the Rock Church, it’s a contemporary church carved out of – yep, you guessed it – rock.

Dinky Helsinki holds the record for the smallest city ever to host the Olympic Games. The locals call it ‘a big village.’ But despite its home-town vibe, it’s still quite the cosmopolitan capital. And its mix of Slavic and Scandinavian architecture tells the story of its push-me-pull-me relationship with Russia. On this city tour you’ll see sights like the Neoclassical Presidential Palace that sits on the waterfront. You’ll drive down Mannerheim Street where Helsinki’s commitment to design shines through. Here the powerful looking Parliament building, the glittering white marble of Finlandia Hall and the minimalist lines of the new Opera house vie for your attention as you whiz by en route to Senate Square. This is the Neoclassical heart of the city. Designed by German architect, Engel, the square is home to the onion-domed Tuomiokirkko, otherwise known as St Nicholas’ Cathedral. Next on the sightseeing hit-list is Sibelius Park where you’ll stop to see the Sibelius Monument erected in honour of the famous Finnish composer. A modern sculpture of hollow metal tubing, it creates beautiful music when a breeze blows through. Last but not least, you’ll visit the Church in the Rock. A holy house that’s literally carved out of the rock face, this place does exactly what it says on the tin.

Enjoy a leisurely drive past the highlights of Helsinki, ticking off sights like the Senate Square, the Presidential Palace, Finlandia Hall and the new Opera House. You'll also get to enjoy the famous Sibelius Monument and Temppeliaukio Church. After that, head for the shores of Lake Tuusula and the scenic town of Ainola. This is where Jean Sibelius spent most of his life in a specially-designed, timber-built villa that gave him the distance and space he needed to compose in peace. It’s a destination of pilgrim for music lovers. Enjoy the unbroken tranquillity as you wander round the house and grounds learning about the great maestro’s work.

at sea...

You’ll feel like you’ve switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. It offers a pan-Asian selection of curries and noodle dishes, a separate sushi menu, plus bespoke dishes created by master chef Ian Pengelley exclusively for Marella Cruises. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

This place does what it says on the tin, specialising in all things meat and fish. The menu stars various cuts of steak, including the Porterhouse for two – and you can watch the chef cook yours on the open grill. Or you can create your own surf and turf with a selection of meats and seafood. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

You’ll be steaming past picturesque countryside on a traditional German train today, so you’ll want to keep your camera at the ready. A scenic drive through former East Germany to the Minster of Bad Doberan’s first on the agenda. Constructed out of red brick, this charming church is one of the best examples of North European Gothic architecture, so catching a few snaps is a must-do. You’ll then continue to the station of the narrow-gauge, steam railway – known as the Molli. Board the train and puff your way through forests and past little villages to Kuhlungsborn. This pretty seaside town’s the ideal spot for taking a stroll along the beach, and sipping a cup of coffee at one of the seafront hotels.

Germany’s capital has symbols of the past around every corner, and this driving tour gives you the chance to take a closer look at the must-sees. First up is one of the headliners – the Berlin Wall. It was built in the Sixties to separate the nation’s East and West, and stood for nearly 30 years. After ticking this off your list, you’ll move on to Checkpoint Charlie. Also on the agenda are Bebel Platz – where the Nazis ordered a mass book-burning back in 1933 – and Potsdamer Platz – where the first wall gap was made. There’ll be a stop at the Holocaust Memorial, too, and a photo call at the imposing Brandenburg Gate. Your lunch, meanwhile, is at one of the city’s cosy pubs, where you’ll tuck in to a traditional German meal. Shopping time’s factored in as well, to pick up souvenirs to take home.

Few other cities have a story quite as powerful as Berlin. Start your day with a two-hour drive to the German capital, where you’ll be given a scenic tour of the most famous photo-stops in the city. The Brandenburg Gate tops the bill, along with the history-laden Reichstag Parliament building. You’ll also pass one of the last remaining stretches of the Berlin Wall, and check out Checkpoint Charlie – the former border crossing between East and West – before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, trace the footsteps of President Kennedy – who made his famous speech on the steps of the Red City Hall – and pay a visit to the Allied Museum.

Wonderful Copenhagen’s a city of bridge-spanned canals, copper-roofed buildings and manicured parks. It’s one of Europe’s finest capitals, not to mention the seat of the oldest monarchy in the world. Delve into 850 years of history as you get to know this gorgeous city. We’ll take you to all the best bits, including Copenhagen’s famous landmark, the statue of the Little Mermaid. You’ll see the royal residence Amalienborg Palace, City Hall Square, where you’ll get some time for shopping, and Christiansborg Palace, home of the Danish Parliament. Two major fires have led to reconstruction work on the palace, so get ready for three eras of Danish architecture. Just don’t forget your camera – this tour’s packed with don’t-miss photo opportunities.